Review: Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013

Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013 adds two new features of note: better protection for your online financial transactions, and a new exploit blocking engine to guard against phishing and other attacks. Learn more about these and other security features in the latest release from Kaspersky Labs...

What's New in Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013?

This week, Kaspersky Labs announced the availability of Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013, the latest version of its flagship consumer security product. It arrives ready to protect users of the new Windows 8 operating system, as well as those who use Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Here's my review and rundown of the new features in Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013.

Safe Money, the financial protector, replaces the Safe Run feature in previous versions of Kaspersky Internet Security. It streamlines the process of accessing banking sites safely. Just go to your banking site, and Safe Money’s browser plugin will ask if you want to open the site in sandbox mode, isolated from other processes that are running on your PC (including, potentially, keyloggers and other malware). You also have option of using a virtual keyboard to safeguard against hardware-based keyloggers. Safe Money relies on a database of financial sites, to which you can add your own if necessary.

The Automatic Exploit Prevention engine relies heavily on Address Space Layout Randomization, or ASLR. Many malware packages rely on finding vulnerable data at specific memory addresses where such data is customarily stored. ASLR randomly shifts such data around in RAM, thwarting malware’s attempt to find it. Kasperky claims that Automatic Exploit Prevention blocked the BlackHole exploit pack 100 percent of the time. That kit drives 95 percent of phishing exploits, according to company. Kasperky is the first security firm to include ASLR in its products for Windows 7. It’s already in iOS, Android, and will be included in Windows 8.

In addition, Kaspersky now blocks Duqu and other malware that attempts to install itself during boot, before most antivirus software loads. Other features that are offered by Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 include:

Real-Time Protection from viruses, including the ability to detect previously unknown malware. Because their products are used by millions of people worldwide, the Kaspersky Security Network can gather quickly information about new, potential, and emerging malware threats. This real-time database is used to protect other Kaspersky users from the latest threats.

System Watcher looks for suspicious activity by programs, and rollback (undo) any harmful actions taken by malware.

Automatic Exploit Prevention scans your hard drive for software programs that may be compromised or infected.

Parental Control feature can monitor, limit or block online activities, such as games, apps and websites. It can also prevent your child from transmitting your phone number, credit card and other sensitive data.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 is a 30-day free trial offer. Continued use normally costs $79.95 for one year, or $119.95 for two years. (Both allow you install the product on up to 3 computers.) An introductory offer of $59.95 for the first year is running as of this writing. There's also a 14-day "no questions asked" money-back guarantee.

Is Kaspersky Internet Security the Best?

One question that I hear often is "Which anti-virus is the best?" I can't say with certainty that Kaspersky is the best Internet security product. But it's certainly one of the best, and I have no qualms about recommending it. I like that it provides proactive malware detection, and that it includes firewall, anti-phishing, anti-spam and parental control features in one package. The SafeMoney and ASLR features are unique, and should provide a useful extra layer of security. I'm convinced it will do an excellent job of protecting most users.

Other popular anti-malware and Internet security suites include Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, Microsoft Essentials, McAfee, Norton and Panda. Many of them offer both free and paid versions. I've written about all of those and others on this site, and you can find them quickly by using the search box at the top of this page. You may also find the independent lab tests from AV-Comparatives (http://www.av-comparatives.org/) useful in comparing the effectiveness of these products.

Have you tried Kaspersky Internet Security 2013, or other Kaspersky products? I'd like to hear about your experience, and of course other online security tools that you find useful. Post your comment or question below...

Another great article!
One question. Will this slow down the computer like Norton is notorious for doing?

Posted by:
John Willoughby
30 Aug 2012

I have had Kaspersky Pure on three computers for almost a year. It was updated to 2 a couple of months ago.
It is the best anti virus suite I have had and has no problems. It does not waste my time. It just does the job.
MJohnW

Posted by:
Frank Clark
31 Aug 2012

Will this or any Kaspersky product get rid of the DNS Redirector Worm. If not will any product do it, on a machine running Win XP Pro?

Posted by:
Supun
04 Sep 2012

Dear Bob,
I think Kaspersky is the best AV software available in the market. This is my 6th year with it. Still solid. Avast is good as well.
Supun

Posted by:
Dan
30 Oct 2012

Kas is on two computers-like a lot better than slooow Nortons.

Posted by:
Linda
21 Nov 2012

regarding the review listing vipre as no 1. from a link on your page. I bookmarked that page and not it has gone. It is labeled vipre review but comes up with a saved page that is listed above it. Maybe your links got hacked......

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry, I've never linked to Vipre. Maybe you saw it in a reader comment or clicked one of the ads on the page.

Posted by:
VERNA
14 Jan 2013

I have had Kaspersky Internet Security for at least the last six years. Have NEVER had any problems with them..HIGHLY RECOMMEND..

Posted by:
Frank Clark
03 Feb 2013

How do I rid my Win XP Pro machine of the DNS Redirector worm. Reinstalling the OS is not a viable option. The fixes I have found usually require an Internet connection, but that is impossible. With the worm in place,I cannot even access my local, wired network. What to do? Thanks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you tried booting with a rescue disk? See http://askbobrankin.com/avg_rescue_cd.html

Posted by:
Cat Tilley
26 Feb 2013

Though I've been using ESET NOD32 & Smart Security for 3 years (after a serious attack that MSE didn't intercept) & still do, I now have more computers & OS's on them.

So I decided to give KIS 2013 a shot, being that AV Comparatives awarded version the #1 position & in 2012 it was a tie with BitDefender for #1. I couldn't ignore those ratings. Grabbed a 3 PC KIS 2013 from Amazon for $19 ($24 w/shipping) & though it took some getting used to, it's just as good as protection as ESET. Very Impressed!

Still, I'm not giving up ESET, just needed to expand, two computers are protected by both brands. Note that I also run MBAM Pro on ALL of my Windows OS's, I grab them at Newegg for as little as $10. I also NEVER pay full price for security software. Newegg & Amazon are both great places for these.

Cat

Posted by:
Jon Skrine
26 Feb 2013

We've been using Kaspersky for a couple of years now.

Better than a few others in the list that we've tried.

It's about the only thing we gloat at our American relatives over - it comes as a free download from our bank....... that and pints being 25% bigger than the US versions are the only reasons we stay here in the UK!

After advising our 70 ear old aunt to change I must underline what has been said above PLEASE CHECK Amazon and other online sellers before parting with our money 75% off the RRP seems to be the going rate - that's $20ish for multiple computers (pound for dollar here IF you have to pay).

All the best and thanks again for some great info.

Jon

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